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Varitek Launches Two HRs, Sox Win 3-1

In his last start, Josh Beckett was maginificent, tossing eight innings against the Mets. Unfortunately, Jonathan Papelbon blew the game and Beckett was denied his fifth win of the year. On Thursday afternoon against the Twins, Beckett again was dominant, allowing just one run on three hits and four walks in seven innings pitched. He struck out the first four men he faced and finished with eight punchouts overall to earn his fifth win in a 3-1 victory.

Jason Varitek led the charge with two home runs (he was the only Sox player with more than one hit), and was also thrown out by the home plate umpire in a wild seventh inning. Brand new umpire Todd Tichenor, 31, first threw out Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and catcher Mike Redmond for arguing a safe call at home plate (Boston’s third run of the game). Then, in the bottom half of the inning, Tichenor threw out Jason Varitek and Terry Francona for arguing balls and strikes.

“Everybody handles things differently,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of Tichenor. “It looked like he had his hands full today. Their guys were getting ejected, we’re getting (ejected). That’s probably not your goal of the game.”

Sox Stud of the Game

Jason Varitek, C: If you told me before the season that on May 28, Jason Varitek would have nine more home runs than David Ortiz, I would’ve volunteered to clean Big Papi’s toilet for the rest of the season. But, baseball is a strange thing, and weirder things have happened. Tek was clearly the best player on the field, launching two home runs as part of a 2-3 day. After Tek was ejected, George Kottaras subbed in and went 1-1. Maybe it had something to do with the catcher’s mask?

Sox Dud of the Game

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF: Ellsbury went 0-3, snapping his hitting streak at 22 games. He’s been on fire lately, and despite the 0-3 game, he should continue his hot hitting next series.

Game Notes

W: Josh Beckett (5-2)
L: Anthony Swarzak (1-1)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (12)

• After splitting the four-game series, the Sox now lead the season series 4-2.
• Jason Varitek (37), who was thrown out in the seventh inning, is six years older than home plate umpire Todd Tichenor (31).
• Jason Bay was given the day off, and Jeff Bailey started in his place in left field.
• David Ortiz went 1-4 with a single and two strikeouts.

Tags: Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Varitek, Jonathan Papelbon, Minnesota Twins, Red Sox, Terry Francona

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